The basic process: what happens when you add an authorized user

When you add someone to your bank account, you're giving them the legal right to use that account — to withdraw money, deposit checks, pay bills, or move funds. The bank creates a new card or gives them access through online banking, and both of you can see the full transaction history. The account still belongs to you, but the other person can act on it almost as freely as you can.

The exact steps depend on whether you're adding them as a joint account holder (they own the account with you) or as an authorized user (they can use it but don't own it). Most banks offer both options, and the choice matters for taxes, liability, and what happens to the account if one of you dies.

You'll need the other person present at the bank, or you can start the process online or by phone and have them complete their part separately. Either way, the bank will ask for their Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID to verify who they are.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint account holders own the account together and both names appear on it; authorized users can access the account but you remain the sole owner.
  • You can add someone in person at a branch, online through your bank's website, or by calling customer service — the method varies by bank.
  • The bank will verify the other person's identity using their Social Security number, date of birth, and government ID.
  • Joint accounts can affect taxes and what happens to money if one person dies, so understand your bank's rules before choosing that option.
  • You can remove someone from an account at any time, though the process and timeline depend on whether they are a joint holder or authorized user.

Joint account holder versus authorized user: which one to choose

A joint account holder is a legal co-owner of the account. Both names appear on the account, both people have equal rights to the money, and both are responsible for any overdrafts or fees. If you die, the money in a joint account usually passes directly to the other person without going through your will — this is called "right of survivorship" and happens automatically at most banks.

An authorized user can use the account and access it online, but you remain the sole owner. Their name does not appear on the account, and if you die, the account does not automatically pass to them. Authorized users are often used for spouses, adult children, or caregivers who need to pay bills or manage money on your behalf without owning the account.

Joint accounts are simpler for couples managing shared finances or for parents and adult children who want equal access. Authorized users work better when you want to give someone temporary access, when you want to keep the account in your name only, or when you're unsure about making someone a full owner. Talk to your bank about the tax implications of a joint account — in some cases, the IRS treats income differently depending on how the account is titled.

How to add someone in person at a bank branch

Bring the other person and two forms of ID each — a driver's license or passport plus one other government-issued ID. The bank will also need their Social Security number. Go to any branch of your bank during business hours and tell a teller or banker that you want to add someone to your account.

The banker will pull up your account, ask whether you want to add them as a joint holder or authorized user, and then verify the other person's identity. They'll have both of you sign paperwork — usually a signature card that the bank keeps on file. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Ask the banker when the new person can start using the account; some banks set up it the same day, while others take one or two business days.

If you want the other person to have a debit card, the banker can order one during this visit. The card usually arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, the person can often access the account online or through the bank's mobile app if you give them the login information.

How to add someone online or by phone

Most banks let you start the process through their website or mobile app. Log in to your account, look for a section called "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Account Holders," and select the option to add someone. You'll enter their name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The bank will then send them an email or text asking them to verify their identity — usually by answering security questions or uploading a photo of their ID.

Once they complete their part, the bank may ask you both to confirm the change, or it may go into effect automatically. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out the exact steps, because the process varies widely. Some banks complete the whole thing online; others require you to visit a branch or have the new person sign paperwork in person.

If you prefer to do it by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative will verify your identity, ask you to confirm the details of the person you're adding, and explain what happens next. They may mail you paperwork to sign, or they may handle everything over the phone. Ask how long it takes for the change to take effect and whether the other person needs to do anything on their end.

What documents and information you'll need

Have the following ready before you start the process:

  • Your account number (on your debit card or bank statement)
  • The other person's full legal name, exactly as it appears on their ID
  • Their date of birth
  • Their Social Security number
  • A government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Your government-issued ID

If you're doing this online, you may also need to upload a photo of the other person's ID or answer security questions to verify their identity. If you're doing it in person, bring the physical IDs. If you're doing it by phone, have the information ready to read aloud, but the bank will not ask you to provide the ID itself over the phone.

How long it takes and when the person can start using the account

In-person changes at a branch usually take effect the same day or the next business day. The other person can often start using the account online or through the mobile app within hours, though a debit card takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive in the mail.

Online and phone changes vary more widely. Some banks complete them within one business day; others take up to five business days. A few banks require you to visit a branch or have the other person sign paperwork before the change goes into effect, which can add another week. Call your bank or check their website to find out the timeline for your specific situation.

If the other person needs to use the account right away and a debit card won't arrive in time, ask the bank whether they can access it through online banking or the mobile app in the meantime. Many banks let you transfer money or pay bills online without a physical card.

What happens to the account if one person dies or you want to remove them

If you added someone as a joint account holder and that person dies, the money in the account usually passes to you automatically — you do not need to go through probate or their will. This is one reason couples choose joint accounts. However, if you die first, the money passes to the joint holder, not to whoever you named in your will. Make sure you understand this before you create a joint account.

If you want to remove a joint account holder while they are alive, you'll need their permission in most cases. Some banks let you remove them unilaterally, but others require both people to agree. Call your bank to find out their policy. Removing someone usually takes one to five business days.

If you added someone as an authorized user, you can remove them at any time without their permission. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The removal usually takes effect within one business day. Any debit card they have will stop working, though they may still be able to see the account online until the bank fully processes the removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

Some banks allow you to start the process online without the other person present, but most require them to verify their identity at some point — either by uploading an ID, answering security questions, or visiting a branch. A few banks let you complete everything by phone. Call your bank to ask whether you can add someone remotely or whether they must be present in person.

What's the difference between adding someone and giving them power of attorney?

Adding someone to your account gives them direct access to the money and the ability to withdraw it. Power of attorney is a legal document that lets someone act on your behalf — pay bills, manage investments, or handle finances — but they do not own the account and cannot keep the money if you die. Power of attorney is more limited and is often used for caregivers or when someone is temporarily unable to manage their own finances.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding someone as an authorized user or joint account holder does not directly affect their credit score. However, if the account goes into overdraft or has unpaid fees, it could show up on their credit report if they are a joint holder. Authorized users are usually not responsible for overdrafts, but check with your bank to confirm.

Can I add a minor to my bank account?

Most banks have a minimum age for joint account holders — usually 18 — but you can add a minor as an authorized user on your account in many cases. Some banks offer special accounts designed for minors, where a parent or guardian is the primary account holder and the child is an authorized user. Ask your bank what options are available for children under 18.

What if the person I want to add doesn't have a Social Security number?

Banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify identity and for tax reporting. If the person does not have one, they may not be able to be added to the account. Ask your bank whether they accept an ITIN or whether there are other options, such as a passport number or state ID number.